Thursday, March 18, 2010

No Critical Alerts

There are no critical alerts at this time.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Norovirus Caution

Norovirus

According to a recent article in the Greenville News, there has been an upswing in the number of reported cases of norovirus in the Upstate. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. According to DHEC officials, some people also complain of headache, fever, chills and muscle aches. Symptoms are usually brief and last only one or two days. However, during that period, people can feel very ill and vomit, often violently and without warning, many times a day. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to stop transmission of illness from person to person.

For additional information, click on the following link to access a DHEC fact sheet:
http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/docs/Gastroenteritis-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Dr. Don C. Garrison, Retired President, Dies February 27

Statement from Dr. Ronnie L. Booth, President, Tri-County Technical College

We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr. Don C. Garrison, who passed away during the early morning hours of Saturday, February 27, 2010. Throughout his 32 years as president of Tri-County, he served as a tireless leader and advocate for technical education in this region and the State. He had a profound impact on the lives of thousands of students and the communities we serve.

His rallying cry was “Jobs for People and People for Jobs.” He passionately promoted the South Carolina Technical College System as the key to economic prosperity for the region and the State. He dedicated his life to developing an institution that provided top-quality training for local companies and an affordable education to those in need of job skills or the first two years of a baccalaureate degree.

In his final commencement speech in 2003, Dr. Garrison told the graduates, “The key to success in life is attaching yourself to a cause that is greater than yourself.” That’s exactly what Dr. Garrison did – he “walked the talk” and devoted his life and career to the cause of providing accessible, affordable, relevant, and quality educational options for the residents of Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties.

When Dr. Garrison retired, he said, “I truly believe that Tri-County Technical College’s best days are yet to come.” That may be true, but it never would have been possible without the solid foundation he laid for us.

Above all, I believe Dr. Garrison will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality and passion. Don took over a room when he entered it and didn’t leave until everyone there understood the value of technical colleges and the integral role they play in the economic development and prosperity of the State.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of Tri-County Technical College, I extend our deepest condolences to the Garrison family. Don was an inspiration to us all and an unforgettable leader. He will truly be missed.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Free H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic for Students and Employees

Protect yourself against H1N1 flu!

The Anderson County Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will host two free H1N1 flu vaccine clinics for TCTC students and employees as follows:

Wednesday, February 17, 1–4:00 pm
Pendleton Campus, Miller Hall room 140

Tuesday, February 23, 1–4:00 pm
Anderson Campus, Room 104

Vaccines will be offered on a first come-first served basis. Family members of students and employees are also welcome. If you have any questions, contact the Personnel office at 646-1792.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Flu Activity Update

Tri-County Technical College is at Level 2 – Moderate Risk for Pandemic Outbreak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overall flu activity decreased slightly in the United States during late December. However, flu is unpredictable and activity can rise and fall throughout the season. Flu is likely to continue for months, caused by either H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses. In addition to seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine is available and is the best way to protect against the pandemic virus. Supplies of this vaccine are increasing and many places have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it. Please click on the “Flu Clinic Locator” link in the right column of this blog site to find a flu clinic close to you.

Friday, November 13, 2009

CDC Estimations of H1N1 Cases

Tri-County Technical College is at Level 2 – Moderate Risk for Pandemic Outbreak.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is very difficult to estimate the number of individual flu cases in the United States because many people with flu don’t seek medical care and only a small number of those that do seek care are tested. More people who are hospitalized or die of flu-related causes are tested and reported, but under-reporting of hospitalizations and deaths occurs as well. The CDC has developed a method to provide an estimated range of the total number of 2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States since April, 2009, as well as a breakdown of these estimates by age groups. For additional information, including CDC estimations using the new model, visit:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/estimates_2009_h1n1.htm

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

BE ALERT TO FLU SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of Seasonal Flu and Novel H1N1 Flu

Tri-County Technical College is at Level 2 – Moderate Risk for Pandemic Outbreak.

According to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the flu is different from the common cold. But symptoms of seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu are very similar. When a person gets seasonal or novel H1N1 flu, one or more of these symptoms will probably come on suddenly — about 48 to 72 hours after contact with the virus:

-- Fever (usually high)
-- Headache
-- Extreme tiredness
-- Dry cough
-- Sore throat
-- Runny or stuffy nose
-- Muscle aches
-- Occasionally, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.


Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Urgent Warning Signs
If you have these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

In adults:
-- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-- Sudden dizziness
-- Confusion
-- Severe or persistent vomiting.
In children:
-- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
-- Bluish skin color
-- Not drinking enough fluids
-- Not waking up or not interacting
-- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
-- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
-- Fever with a rash.

As a reminder, additional information about H1N1 and seasonal flu is available via links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which are located on the right-side column of this blog.